The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a popular bridge camera that has been making waves in the photography world. With its impressive 28x optical zoom lens, 16-megapixel sensor, and affordable price tag, it’s no wonder why many photographers are considering this camera as their next purchase. But is the Nikon Coolpix L340 a good camera? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of this camera to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Nikon Coolpix L340 has a sturdy and ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and use. The camera’s body is made of plastic, but it feels solid and well-built. The grip is contoured to fit perfectly in your hand, and the textured surface provides a secure hold. The camera’s weight is evenly distributed, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
One of the standout features of the Nikon Coolpix L340 is its 28x optical zoom lens. This lens is incredibly versatile, allowing you to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife. The lens is also equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and blur.
Key Features of the Nikon Coolpix L340
- 16-megapixel CCD sensor
- 28x optical zoom lens (22.5-630mm equivalent)
- 3-inch LCD screen
- 720p HD video recording
- ISO range: 80-6400
- Autofocus with face detection
- Built-in flash
- SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
Image Quality
The Nikon Coolpix L340 produces excellent image quality, especially considering its price point. The 16-megapixel sensor captures a wide range of colors and details, and the images are generally sharp and clear. The camera’s ISO range is also impressive, allowing you to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions.
However, it’s worth noting that the image quality can suffer in low-light conditions. The camera’s noise reduction system can sometimes overcompensate, resulting in a loss of detail and a “smudgy” appearance. Additionally, the camera’s autofocus system can be slow in certain situations, which can lead to missed shots.
Image Quality Comparison
| Camera | Resolution | ISO Range | Image Quality |
| — | — | — | — |
| Nikon Coolpix L340 | 16MP | 80-6400 | Excellent in good light, suffers in low light |
| Canon PowerShot SX530 HS | 16MP | 100-3200 | Good in good light, struggles in low light |
| Sony WX800 | 18MP | 80-6400 | Excellent in good light, good in low light |
Video Recording
The Nikon Coolpix L340 can record 720p HD video, which is a bit disappointing considering the camera’s price point. However, the video quality is still good, and the camera’s optical zoom lens makes it easy to capture smooth and stable footage.
One of the standout features of the Nikon Coolpix L340’s video recording capabilities is its ability to record in slow motion. The camera can record at 120fps, which is perfect for capturing fast-paced action or creating dramatic slow-motion effects.
Video Recording Modes
- 720p HD video recording (1280×720 pixels)
- Slow-motion video recording (120fps)
- Time-lapse video recording
- Movie recording with optical zoom
Additional Features
The Nikon Coolpix L340 has a range of additional features that make it a versatile and convenient camera to use. Some of the standout features include:
- Autofocus with face detection: The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, and the face detection feature makes it easy to capture portraits.
- Built-in flash: The camera’s built-in flash is powerful and convenient, making it easy to capture images in low-light conditions.
- SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot: The camera’s memory card slot makes it easy to expand your storage capacity and transfer images to your computer.
Additional Features Comparison
| Camera | Autofocus | Built-in Flash | Memory Card Slot |
| — | — | — | — |
| Nikon Coolpix L340 | Yes | Yes | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Canon PowerShot SX530 HS | Yes | Yes | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Sony WX800 | Yes | Yes | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC |
Conclusion
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a good camera that offers a range of features and capabilities at an affordable price point. The camera’s 28x optical zoom lens, 16-megapixel sensor, and excellent image quality make it a great choice for photographers who want a versatile and convenient camera.
However, the camera’s limitations in low-light conditions and slow autofocus system may be a drawback for some photographers. Additionally, the camera’s 720p HD video recording capabilities may not be sufficient for videographers who require higher resolutions.
Ultimately, the Nikon Coolpix L340 is a great choice for photographers who want a reliable and easy-to-use camera for everyday shooting. With its impressive features and affordable price point, it’s definitely worth considering.
Recommendation
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is recommended for:
- Casual photographers who want a versatile and convenient camera
- Travel photographers who need a camera with a long zoom lens
- Wildlife photographers who want a camera with a powerful zoom lens
The Nikon Coolpix L340 may not be suitable for:
- Professional photographers who require high-end features and capabilities
- Videographers who require high-resolution video recording
- Photographers who frequently shoot in low-light conditions
What are the key features of the Nikon Coolpix L340?
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a bridge camera that boasts a range of impressive features. It has a 20.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a 28x optical zoom lens, and a 56x dynamic fine zoom. The camera also features a 3-inch LCD screen, ISO sensitivity up to 6400, and the ability to record 720p HD video. Additionally, the L340 has a built-in flash, image stabilization, and a variety of shooting modes, including auto, scene, and manual modes.
These features make the Nikon Coolpix L340 an excellent choice for photographers who want a versatile camera that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, the L340’s zoom lens and image stabilization ensure that your photos are sharp and clear. The camera’s manual modes also give you the flexibility to experiment with different settings and techniques, allowing you to take your photography to the next level.
Is the Nikon Coolpix L340 suitable for beginners?
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is an excellent choice for beginners who want a camera that is easy to use but still offers a range of advanced features. The camera’s auto mode makes it simple to capture great photos without having to worry about complicated settings. The L340 also features a variety of scene modes, including portrait, landscape, and night modes, which can help you get the best results in different shooting situations.
As you become more confident in your photography skills, the L340’s manual modes allow you to take control of the camera’s settings and experiment with different techniques. The camera’s menu system is also intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to adjust settings and access the camera’s various features. Overall, the Nikon Coolpix L340 is an excellent choice for beginners who want a camera that can grow with them as they develop their photography skills.
How does the Nikon Coolpix L340 perform in low light?
The Nikon Coolpix L340 performs reasonably well in low light, thanks to its ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and built-in flash. The camera’s image stabilization also helps to reduce camera shake and blur, which can be a problem in low-light conditions. However, the L340’s CCD sensor can struggle with noise and grain in very low light, which can affect the overall quality of your photos.
To get the best results in low light, it’s a good idea to use the camera’s flash or a tripod to stabilize the camera. You can also try using the L340’s night mode, which can help to reduce noise and capture more detail in low-light scenes. Additionally, you can experiment with different ISO settings and exposure compensation to find the best combination for your shot.
Can the Nikon Coolpix L340 record video?
Yes, the Nikon Coolpix L340 can record video. The camera can capture 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, which is suitable for most casual video recording needs. The L340 also features a dedicated video record button, making it easy to switch between still photography and video recording.
While the Nikon Coolpix L340’s video capabilities are not as advanced as some other cameras on the market, it is still a useful feature for capturing short clips and memories. The camera’s image stabilization also helps to reduce camera shake and blur, which can be a problem when recording video. However, the L340’s video recording capabilities are not suitable for professional or high-end video production.
Is the Nikon Coolpix L340 a good choice for wildlife photography?
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a good choice for wildlife photography, thanks to its 28x optical zoom lens and image stabilization. The camera’s zoom lens allows you to capture distant subjects without disturbing them, while the image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake and blur. The L340 also features a fast autofocus system, which can help you capture sharp photos of moving subjects.
However, the Nikon Coolpix L340 may not be the best choice for serious wildlife photographers who require advanced features such as fast burst mode and 4K video recording. The camera’s CCD sensor can also struggle with noise and grain in low light, which can affect the overall quality of your photos. Nevertheless, the L340 is still a great choice for casual wildlife photographers who want a versatile camera that can handle a range of shooting situations.
How long does the Nikon Coolpix L340’s battery last?
The Nikon Coolpix L340’s battery life is approximately 370 shots per charge, according to Nikon’s specifications. However, this can vary depending on how you use the camera, such as the number of times you use the flash, the amount of video recording, and the brightness of the LCD screen.
To get the most out of the L340’s battery life, it’s a good idea to turn off the camera when not in use, reduce the brightness of the LCD screen, and use the camera’s power-saving features. You can also consider purchasing a spare battery or an external power source, such as a battery grip or a portable power bank, to extend the camera’s battery life.
Is the Nikon Coolpix L340 worth buying?
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a great value for its price, offering a range of advanced features and excellent image quality. The camera’s 28x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, and manual modes make it an excellent choice for photographers who want a versatile camera that can handle a wide range of shooting situations.
However, the Nikon Coolpix L340 may not be the best choice for everyone, particularly those who require advanced features such as 4K video recording, fast burst mode, or a touchscreen LCD. Nevertheless, for its price, the L340 is an excellent choice for casual photographers who want a reliable and feature-packed camera that can deliver great results.